Amanda Linehan is a writer, independent author, coach, and solopreneur. She publishes books and two newsletters, creates online video courses and workshops, and maintains a YouTube channel. Much of her work focuses on the Myers-Briggs INFP personality type. (According to their website, this is someone who possesses the Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Prospecting personality traits). As an author, she writes and self-publishes fiction. Not one to be limited, Amanda writes in multiple genres, including Young Adult (YA) and Fantasy. She’s published five novels, one novella, and numerous short stories. But, Amanda wasn’t always sure about a career as an author and entrepreneur. “I used to dream about doing this but wasn’t sure I had what it took. Turns out I do. But I wouldn’t have figured it out if I hadn’t taken the leap.”
Why we love Amanda
Amanda fit in at Cowork Frederick from day one! She is approachable, witty, and always up for a good conversation. She is ready to supply the right word when a fellow member (this author included) has writer’s block. Amanda makes a point to be supportive of other writers and always willing to share her time, tips, and knowledge with freelancers in our community
Q&A with Amanda Linehan
How did you get into the specific niche of writing for INFP personalities?
In many ways, I stumbled into this small niche by writing blog posts (yeah, I’ve got a blog, too) that combined two of my big interests—personality and productivity—and had no idea that I was doing that until a couple of INFP friends pointed out how much they liked them. After that, I decided to publish a book called Productivity For INFPs and branched out from there.
What inspires you and keeps you going?
I’m inspired by discovering new things, both inside of me in a personal growth sense but also outside of me in my work and life. I’m very motivated by the act of creating something itself. Bringing something new to life. I love having fun and following my curiosity. Mostly, I like my life and my work to be flexible, being able to adjust or change course at any time.
I love to help others feel inspired and supported if I can create something that gives someone else a sense of peace or relief that makes me feel like I’ve made a great contribution.
Cowork Frederick members tend to be a little unconventional. How does that apply to you?
I operate in both my work and my life from a “present moment” perspective. In short, that means I don’t do a lot of planning. And when I do plan, it’s very loose and flexible. To me, being present moment-focused involves being aware of what’s going on both inside and outside of me and responding in the moment to those things. I do a lot of acting and adjusting “on the fly.” Instead of being very structured and planned out, I tend to “feel my way along” most of the time, using my intuition a lot. Sometimes, this can make me feel nervous, but mostly, I feel engaged, excited, interested, and alive.
Which of the guiding values defined by Cowork Frederick members speaks to you?
Resilience – Resilience is maybe not the sexiest quality, but in my life and work, it has been absolutely essential. After I left my conventional office job to begin working for myself, I encountered more problems and issues than I was used to. In order to keep moving forward, I had to pick myself up after something went wrong. It wasn’t always fun, but the ability to experience something uncomfortable, let go of it, and move on is by far the single greatest skill I have learned since I began working for myself.
Any tips for Life?
Don’t forget to enjoy yourself. Life is hard. Work is hard. Hopefully, you can find enjoyment in these things even through difficulties. It can be easy to think that being responsible equals being serious, but I think there’s a definite danger to being serious too often. Have some fun sometimes. It will make you feel better.
Why Cowork Frederick?
Coworking was something that I had been interested in for a long time. After several years of working alone at home and sometimes at a café, I felt a strong need to have another place to work where I could also get to know people. I enjoy working alone, but working like that all week was too much for me. I needed a place to have the social stimulation I was missing at home. Also, I wanted a place with a familiar environment but different than my house.
For those who want to learn more, how can you be reached?
Main website: https://amandalinehan.com/
Fiction website: https://amandalinehanfiction.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AmandaLinehan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandalinehan/
About the author:
Bethany Good is the founder of Good Writing Co., which provides professional writing, developmental book editing, book coaching, and ghostwriting services. Her writing has appeared in Innovation and Tech Today, Columbia Inspired Magazine, and Frederick Lifestyle Magazine (among others). Bethany works with authors to help guide them through the book-writing process so that they can finally finish their memoirs or nonfiction books. Specializing in eldercare, dementia, and Alzheimer’s, she also works with home health businesses to provide content and resources for their patients and families. Bethany is also a dedicated wife and mother to two active kids. In her limited time, she enjoys gardening, long nature walks, reading, cooking, and snuggling with her Boston Terrier, Scout.